Delta Governor’s Re-election Campaign Gains Momentum as Commissioner Launches Grassroots Movement with Mass Empowerment

By Political Correspondent | Mainstream News

Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State — Efforts to build grassroots support for the re-election of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, gathered fresh momentum on Wednesday as the Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, officially launched the Smart Movement for Sheriff (SMS) 2027 in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The event, which combined political mobilisation with a large-scale empowerment programme, attracted senior government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and supporters from across the local government area.
As part of the initiative, 12 grinding machines, 11 sewing machines and cash grants worth ₦1.65 million were distributed to beneficiaries in what organisers described as an effort to promote economic independence while strengthening grassroots participation.
Representing Governor Oborevwori, the APC Chairman for Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Moses Iduh, praised Hon. Ufoh for aligning political mobilisation with community development.
He said political leadership should go beyond electoral victories by delivering practical benefits that improve the lives of citizens.
“Politics should not end with winning elections. It must improve people’s lives. Many families can be transformed with support of as little as ₦50,000 or ₦100,000. Leaders should continue to empower the people because that is how trust in leadership is built,” Iduh said.
He described the empowerment programme as a reflection of Governor Oborevwori’s people-focused style of governance and urged other public office holders to undertake similar initiatives in their communities.
Chief Iduh also appealed to APC members in Aniocha South to unite behind the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to put internal disagreements aside and work collectively for electoral success.
Addressing supporters, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh said the Smart Movement for Sheriff was established because of what he described as Governor Oborevwori’s visible achievements under the MORE Agenda.
According to him, the movement will serve as a platform for expanding grassroots awareness of the administration’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and rural development.
Ufoh said the governor had also demonstrated a strong commitment to technical and vocational education by upgrading institutions and expanding access to practical skills for young people.
“As Commissioner for Technical Education, I have seen the governor’s commitment firsthand. Technical colleges are being upgraded, equipment is being provided, and policies are being implemented to ensure our young people acquire practical skills for the future,” he said.
He added that the empowerment programme reflected the movement’s belief that effective leadership should create opportunities for economic growth and self-reliance.
Calling on members to intensify mobilisation across all communities, Ufoh urged supporters to promote the achievements of Governor Oborevwori while working towards delivering electoral victories for the APC in 2027.
“Our mission is clear. Our target is Five-over-Five. From the Presidency to the Governorship, the Senate, House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly, Aniocha South must stand united for the APC,” he said.
Among those who addressed the gathering was the APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, who described the Smart Movement as an important platform for deepening grassroots engagement.
He said combining political mobilisation with economic empowerment demonstrated responsive leadership and encouraged continued support for Governor Oborevwori’s administration.
Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, said the initiative would strengthen the APC’s grassroots structures while contributing to the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
For beneficiaries, the programme represented an opportunity for economic advancement.
One of them, Pastor Mrs. Justina Agwueze, the Smart Movement Coordinator for Ward 3, received a grinding machine and described the intervention as unprecedented.
She pledged to use the equipment to improve her income and provide free grinding services to elderly women in her community as a way of extending the support she had received.
She also promised to mobilise support for Governor Oborevwori and the APC ahead of the next general elections.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for unity within the APC and a commitment by party leaders to strengthen grassroots mobilisation across Delta State as political activities gradually gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.